The genus Cicadulina was established in 1926 (Bull. Ent. Res. 17, p. 43) to hold a new species, C. zeae, China, injurious to maize in Kenya Colony. Later (Bull. Ent. Res., 19, 1928, p. 66) it was shown that Balclutha mbila, Naude, recorded as transmitting the virus of streak disease of maize in Natal, also belonged to this genus, and two new species C. arachidis and C. similis were described from the Gambia, where they were reported as injurious to ground-nut and suspected of transmitting the virus of the rosette disease of that plant. Since that time Dr. H. H. Storey of the Amani Research Station has been investigating the possibility of transmission of the streak virus of maize by C. zeae. In attempting to breed strains capable of transmission of the disease certain crosses were made which showed conclusively that he was dealing with two distinct species. These species he was able to separate on the colour pattern of the abdomen. Dr. Storey has now sent to me material of both these species and a study of the genitalia corroborates his finding. One, of course, proved to be C. zeae, the other is new and I therefore propose to dedicate it to the discoverer.

Individuals of Glossina pallidipes Aust. were reared separately on five developmental categories of guinea-pigs (infants, suckling mothers, pregnant females, mature virgin females, and mature males), from the time of adult emergence until they died, at 22±1°C and 40±5%r.h. More than 70% of the tsetse flies reared on infant guinea-pigs or on suckling mothers died within the first 10 days, before they reached sexual maturity. Of those reared on mature male guinea-pigs, 50% lived for more than 50 days.

Pregnant female and mature male guinea-pigs were the most favoured hosts for tsetse feeding: more than 90% of the flies exposed to these two classes of hosts succeeded in feeding, while only 61%, 70%, and 76%, respectively, of those exposed to infants, suckling mothers, and mature virgin females actually fed.

Descriptions are given of the immature and adult stages of Tenuipalpus ghanii sp. n., and the characters distinguishing this species from T. punicae Pritchard & Baker and T. granati Sayed are listed. In West Pakistan the preferred host-plant is Pyrus communis. T. ghanii overwinters in the adult stage; it reproduces parthenogenetically and populations of all stages reach their peak in June or July. Of the four predators recorded, Exothorhis sp. (Eupalopsellidae) was the most abundant but was restricted to Pyrus communis.

Mr. A. D. Michael has already recorded* the presence of mites of the genus Tarsonemus upon diseased sugar-cane from Barbados. He states that two species belonging to this genus were present in the material sent to him, and that the larger of the two species was certainly identical with one which Mr. Bancroft found doing serious damage to sugar-cane in Queensland. Mr. Michael proposed the name Tarsonemus bancrofti for this larger species. So far as I am aware, no description of this nominal species has been published and I am obliged to rely on Mr. Bancroft's published sketches† for information concerning it. Unfortunately his drawings are not executed in sufficient detail and I am not certain that his mite is the same species as the one which is dealt with in the present note; but as the figures of the Queensland mite differ appreciably from the Barbados specimens, it seems advisable to describe the latter under another name (T. spinipes). The species of the genus Tarsonemus often resemble one another very closely in structure, and they cannot be recognised with certainty unless a fully detailed account of their principal characters, accompanied by careful drawings, is given. Dr. Bancroft gives drawings of both sexes of his mite. He does not figure any spines on the third leg of the male, but he shows a lobeshaped expansion, similar to that of T. spinipes, on the inner side of the short fourth leg. The hairs of the body are not depicted. According to his drawings, the body of the female resembles that of T. spinipes in being very long and narrow, but is apparently much narrower at the anterior end. He represents the two terminal setae of the fourth leg of the female as being both very long and slender, the outer one being seemingly almost as long as the inner. The size of T. bancrofti is not stated, nor is the scale of enlargement of the figures given.

In the grounds of the Medical Research Institute at Yaba, near Lagos, some 200 yards north-east of the laboratories there is a swamp, roughly circular, its diameter being about 20 yards. Until the present year, since first coming under observation in 1908, it has been definitely a pond, formerly used for watering cattle; small in the dry season, it sometimes assumed the dimensions of a lake in the rainy season. While it was a pond it harboured at least three different kinds of fish, and except for a few Anopheline larvae on rare occasions it was not a suitable breeding-place for mosquitos owing to the activities of the fish.

The genus Matutinus Distant is characterised and differentiated from Chlorionidea Loew, with which it was at one time synonymised. Descriptions are given of 26 species, 15 of which are described as new; three are transferred from other genera and a new subgenus is erected to accommodate one of them. Notes are given on their geographical distribution and host-plants.

Apanteles pistrinariae, sp. n.

♀. Black ; scape, mouthparts (or at least palpi), tegulae, costal veins, legs and abdomen entirely (except as follows), red testaceous ; hind tarsi, extreme apex of hind tibiae, extreme base of hind coxae, occasionally very slightly darkened ; 1st and 2nd tergites, and ovipositor sheaths, black ; 3rd tergite dark red, at least darker than ventrites and apical tergites ; flagellum brown ; stigma, metacarp, and most other veins, brown or light reddish brown.

Spotted lanternfly, Lycorma delicatula (Hemiptera: Fulgoridae), is an invasive insect that was first detected in the United States in 2014 and feeds on a wide variety of plants, with economic impacts on the agricultural, ornamental, and timber industries. Part of what likely contributes to the success of L. delicatula in its invaded range is that it appears to be chemically defended by sequestering toxins from its host plant(s), which may deter predators in the introduced range. To determine the identity and behavior of North American predators that feed on spotted lanternfly, we performed a community science study in which we asked members of the public to contribute reports of animals feeding on spotted lanternfly through a Facebook page. The largest group of reported predators was arthropods followed by birds. Araneae was the arthropod order with the most reports and Phasianidae was the most frequently reported bird family. Using Pearson's χ2 tests, we also identified significant relationships between predator behavior and (1) taxonomic group of the predator, (2) L. delicatula life stage, and (3) host plant L. delicatula was observed on. These results can help to guide future research on predator host shifting to spotted lanternfly and potential for biocontrol as a management tactic.

Culex (Culex) pipiens s.l. (Diptera: Culicidae) comprises two distinct biotypes, pipiens (‘rural’) and molestus (‘urban’), both of which are thought to have differing capacities due to different host preferences. To better understand West Nile encephalitis epidemiology and improve risk assessment, local distinction between these forms is essential. This study assesses phenotypic variation at larval and adult stages of ‘urban’ and ‘rural’ biotypes of the species by complementary use of meristic, univariate and multivariate traits analyzed by traditional and geometric morphometrics. Third- and fourth-instar larvae from a broad area of the city of Novi Sad (Serbia) were collected and reared in the laboratory. After adult eclosion, the sex of each larva was recorded based on the sex of the corresponding adult. Examination of the association between variations of larval traits revealed contrasting variations regarding pecten spines vs. siphonal size and siphonal shape in the ‘rural’ biotype. Siphons of larvae collected in marshes and forest ecosystems outside urban areas were found to be the largest, but possessed the smallest number of pecten spines. In addition, statistically significant female-biased sexual dimorphism was observed in siphonal size, wing size and wing shape. Finally, we propose that an integrative approach is essential in delimitation of Cx. pipiens s.l. biotypes, since their differentiation was not possible based solely on larval and adult traits. Our findings shed light on the phenotypic plasticity important for population persistence in the changing environment of these medically important taxa.

An investigation of the seasonal incidence of I. ricinus on cattle in N.W. Cardigani shire showed that there are normally two peaks of activity, one occurring in spring and the other in autumn. The infestation curve varied considerably from farm to farm according to the husbandry methods practised. Delayed stocking of infested pastures caused an initial higher infestation of the cattle but, except on one farm, did not prolong the infestation beyond the normal period of tick activity. A lower infestation in spring than in autumn occurred on two farms. This resulted from either the lighter stocking of the infested grazings in spring than in autumn or the partial exhaustion of unfed tick population by sheep grazing with the cattle during the spring only.

There was no evidence for the occurrence of a unimodal curve of tick activity in the region studied.

In connection with his biological researches for the control of the coffee mealy-bugs in Africa, Mr. R. H. Le Pelley recently made a trip to the Far East in order to try to find some Oriental parasites of Pseudococcus lilacinus which could be introduced into Kenya Colony.

The observation in Kenya that Aëdes (Skusea) pembaensis (Theo.) associates with the crab, Sesarma meinerti, was duplicated in Lumbo, on the northern coast of Mozambique. Eggs were seen abundantly on crabs inhabiting certain colonies among mangroves at the edge of a tidal estuary. Females of A. pembaensis were caught in gradually decreasing abundance at collecting sites progressively further inland from the head of the estuary, while males were almost totally confined to the breeding area. Swarms of males were not seen, and it was suspected that mating took place within crab burrows.

Populations of A. pembaensis in 1959 and 1960 were approximately equivalent at Lumbo, whereas some other mosquito species with fresh-water larval stages were reduced in 1960 owing to failure of the rains. The estuarine environment, regulated by the tides, is apparently more stable than are terrestrial habitats. Cycles of A. pembaensis may therefore be less variable than among dry-land forms.

Females of A. pembaensis disturbed at a crab colony were found to bite spontaneously in the day-time. Captured specimens showed a marked discrimination in biting preference for one human out of three tested. The preferred individual experienced a severe reaction to the bites, while the other two had none whatsoever.

Precipitin tests indicated human beings as the only source of blood in A. pembaensis, although the method of collection probably lends bias to this observation. Eight strains of an apparently new virus were isolated from females of A. pembaensis in 1959 and four in 1960. In addition, two strains of a virus of the Bunyamwera group were isolated in 1960. The source of these viruses and their significance in A. pembaensis require further investigation.

Some years ago the Entomological Department of the Swedish Forest Experiment Station was requested to undertake the investigation of the timber-destroying insects in Government buildings in Sweden. In order to obtain a preliminary survey of the amount of damage caused by these pests an illustrated leaflet containing short descriptions of the insects and their galleries was issued and, together with a detailed questionnaire and a circular letter, sent to about 7,000 persons. Altogether 2,148 reports were returned, 990 of which gave detailed information often accompanied by samples of wood for identification.

An account is given of four gall midges whose larvae damage the seed of cocksfoot, viz. Contarinia dactylidis (H. Lw.), Dasyneura dactylidis, Metcalfe, Sitodiplosis dactylidis which is described from England and Ireland in the present paper, and Stenodiplosis geniculati, Reuter. The occurrence of predacious midges of the genus Lestodiplosis is also noted.

A short section is devoted to characters by which these midges can be distinguished.

Stenodiplosis geniculati is recorded from one English and two Irish localities on cocksfoot grass for the first time, hitherto it has always been recorded from foxtail. These midges, together with some experimentally bred on cocksfoot from foxtail parents, exhibit the typical characters of this species.

A new variety, Stenodiplosis geniculati var. dactylidis, is described from cocksfoot in New Zealand.

In a discussion of the host-plant specificity of gall midges attacking grass seeds, it is suggested that the present discovery of S. geniculati on cocksfoot in England and Ireland and the occurrence in New Zealand of this new variety exhibiting distinct morphological characters are two steps in the evolution of a new species.

I am indebted to Miss F. M. L. Sheffield for taking the photographs used to illustrate Plate IV. They were taken to show the comparative lengths of the antennal segments and not the chaetotaxy. I am also indebted to Mr. P. S. Milne who took the photographs used to illustrate Plate V.

In January 1932 the writer received for examination a sample of narcissus bulbs, variety Diadem. The bulbs, which had been grown in Abingdon, England, for a number of years, were submitted on account of their persistently unsatisfactory growth. It was found that they were heavily infested by a species of Tarsonemid mite, which was present in sufficient numbers to account adequately for the unhealthy condition of the bulbs. No record could be found relating to the occurrence of such an infestation actually in Europe; the condition was, however, already known in the U.S.A. Ewing4 in 1929 described a new Tarsonemid occurring in narcissus, which he named Tarsonemus approximatus, Banks, var. narcissi, Ewing. The mite was named from material obtained in narcissus bulbs from the Pacific coast, which bulbs it appears had been imported from Holland. Doucette2 in the same year, 1929, published a short account of the activities of the mite with which he had become familiar in both Philadelphia and California as early as 1925, in these cases also in bulbs of Dutch origin. No other reference to the mite could be found in literature, although it is perhaps hardly necessary to state that allied species are known to be highly injurious to plants, e.g., Tarsonemus tepidariorum on ferns (Cameron1), T. fragariae and T. pallidus on strawberry (Massee7), and T. essigi on blackberry, etc. (Essig3).

Inasmuch as Phlebotomus verrucarum, Towns., has been seriously questioned as the vective agent of verruga in an important memoir recently issued,* the writer feels it incumbent upon him to answer the objections raised, as well as to reply to the various speculations put forward in the same work relating to the subject of the insect transmission of the disease.

The raspberry cane midge Resseliella theobaldi (Barnes) is one of the most important pests of cultivated red raspberry Rubus idaeus L. throughout Europe. For the last 50 years several studies have been made on the biology, life cycle and control of the pest. Some data can also be found on its natural enemies, but among these species only the chalcidoid Tetrastichus inunctus Nees turned out to be important in controlling raspberry cane midge populations. However, this species name is now ambiguous as the type is lost. In the present study, Aprostocetus epicharmus Walker was the chalcidoid species that parasitized the larvae of the raspberry cane midge, and its biology seems to be very similar to that of T. inunctus. It is therefore probable that the eulophid species earlier referred to as T. inunctus in the literature is A. epicharmus. Besides discussing this problem, particular consideration and detailed data are given on the biology and life cycle of A. epicharmus in relation to R. theobaldi. Different factors having effect on the population dynamics of both species are also discussed as results of a survey on several red raspberry cultivars, carried out in Hungary between 2002 and 2005.

General colour (in spirit) green with dark brown barring on abdomen. Antennae from the apical half of iv. to tip dark brown to black, basal segments pale brown. Head pale green, except for a black depression between the base of the lateral ocellar elevation and the median line; genal cones medium brown; lateral ocelli pink. Pronotum of the same uniform colour except for a small black area marginally. Dorsulum pale green, with two large semicircular or subtriangular light brown areas medianly anteriorly; mesonotum striated with light brown, one median narrow stripe and two broad lateral ones; mesoscutellum unicolorous or faintly tinged with brown. Legs with the femora darker than tibiae, tarsi and claws black. Abdomen with two median black areas on first segment, with a lateral hollow black.